London food-growing project seeks its 2,012th and final garden

Capital Growth will continue to run into 2013, supporting people to grow food in London and providing events and training.

By Rhiannon James
City Planter UK
November 8th, 2012

Excerpt:

A campaign to create 2,012 community food-growing spaces in London by the end of 2012 is to reach its climax this month with a competition to find the final plot.

Capital Growth’s search for its 2,012th garden is a chance for communities to help complete a four-year project that has created the world’s largest urban food-growing network.

Rosie Boycott, the Mayor’s food adviser, commented: “Through the campaign we have witnessed the amazing ways that Londoners rise to the challenge of limited space, by growing food on roofs, barges, in disused playgrounds, outside offices and in people’s back gardens.

What has been even more amazing are the things that happen in them as a result – whether that be meeting neighbours, making green spaces feel safer or just producing the freshest and tastiest food and we can’t wait to find London’s 2,012th edible garden.”

Communities who are already growing food or who want to start a project must register before 5th December for a chance to win the accolade of being growing space 2,012. They will also bag a visit from a special guest who will help them to get their garden started and an edible garden kit including vouchers worth £1000, trees, tools and raised beds. Groups registering will also receive advice, training and other help with their projects into 2013.

The project, which is a partnership between London Food Link, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food programme has already provided practical and financial help to the 1968 groups who have joined the network so far.